Tenant referencing documents and rules

Property Investment

Hello all,

I’ve decided to self manage again and although I have previous experiance I've always used an agents tenant find service. But now that I have more time due to the lock down I’m going to advertise and conduct the tenant referencing myself.

I have downloaded all of the relevant templates and checklists to start the tenancy but one thing I can’t find guidance on here, is the process/order that referencing is done and what documents we are allowed to request for income evidence (observing GDRP rules of course).

Am I right to assume we can request-

3 months Bank statements and pay slips
Proof of current address
ID, Passport/driving licence etc
Completed application form (obviously)
Employer reference and landlord references (character probably not much use)
Right to rent forms signed and ID seen in person

Then providing this looks ok then you can conduct a credit check through the RLA affiliated service? When I was a mortgage adviser many moons ago this was very similar in the way the banks assess affordability of an applicant as I’m sure you’ll know.

In regards to tenants receiving some housing benefit, do you require a guarantor in all cases, if their credit is bad or if they can’t afford a deposit? I probably won’t use HB tenants but given the time’s we are in I don’t want to fully rule it out.

If I’m missing anything out or getting some wires crossed I’d appreciate the advice.

Many thanks in advance.

Ben.